Creating Ambiance in a Stark Bathroom: 4 Easy Ways to Warm Up your Space

These days, bathroom trends have focused on creating a clean, streamlined space with the most luxurious fixtures possible. Many are looking to spend a bit more time in what was once considered only a functional area of the home. But the notion of a relaxing refuge can easily conflict with minimalist appeal- how do you create a space that is both austere and inviting?

Take note of the following tips to warming up your space. With a few clever touches your bathroom can be both welcoming and luxuriously modern.

Natural Finishes
Most bathroom fixtures worth their purchase price are made in sparkling white. But, they can become almost hospital-like if not balanced by other hues and textures. Choose natural stone or hardwood finishes to complement the space. A white bath, for example, can look beautiful atop a dark oak platform. You can then add warm brown marble tiles on the floor.

The Advantages of Lighting
Black and white bathroom colour themes have remained popular for decades. Modern updates on the style include things like black bath panels and bold patterned tiles. This can create a strongly contrasting, and even overwhelming space, but it’s a perfect example of where lighting can be used to your advantage.

Harsh overhead lighting or even (gasp!) fluorescents will only serve to make the space more industrial-looking and less inviting. Balance a strong design with soft lighting to accent certain features- try an LED shower light or track lighting that focuses on a beautiful countertop basin. A dainty overhead light will draw the eye upwards in a small bathroom, creating the illusion of a larger space.

Also, remember that you’ll need different lighting for different times of the day- plenty of flattering light for applying makeup or shaving in the morning and a soft glow for relaxing in the bath in the evenings.

Bathroom Accessories
When you have an edgy modern bathroom sometimes creating a bit of contrast with your accessories can make all the difference. You don’t have to follow the same scheme, and use only stainless steel waste bins or bright white towels. Try adding a bit of Mediterranean appeal with turquoise towels and clear blue vases, or feature a framed print of a lush rainforest scene.
Make it romantic with soft pink candles and a bouquet of peonies, or go for an even warmer appeal with amber curtains and Asian-spiced soaps.

Turn up the Heat
One of the easiest ways to warm up a stark space is the most direct: turn up the physical temperature. Nothing will make your space seem chillier than the feeling of a cold floor beneath your feet or a blast of cold air when you exit the bath. Make sure your design includes proper heating elements for your local climate.
Additional heat can be added through under-floor heating mats, heated towel rails and clever wall-hung radiators; some even look like art pieces!

The overall idea of natural finishes, lighting, the right accessories and creating a temperature-controlled bathroom is to make it a sensory space. Focus on the senses of sight, touch and scent to make your space warm and inviting.

2 comments:

Amy of While Wearing Heels said...

What great tips. I now want to take out my tiles and add a dark oak platform to my bathroom.

ALLIE NYC said...

Great tips and egads no fluorescents.

Allie of Dressing Ken

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